"The first thing you should know about dragons," Snowcloud said, "is that they are vile beasts. Giant, vicious, and cannibalistic monsters, with the disposition of rabid dogs and half the intelligence."
Arran frowned somewhat sourly. "But the stories say they're intelligent, and have magical powers," he finally said, once more remembering the tales of dragons he had heard as a young boy. And while those were just stories, he still found himself reluctant to simply abandon them.
"The stories are wrong," Snowcloud replied flatly. "Or mostly wrong, at least."
"Then what's the truth?" Arran asked, unwilling to let go of his childhood dreams so easily.
A thoughtful expression appeared on Snowcloud's face. "I suppose I should explain how dragons grow up. That should give you a better idea of the kind of creatures we're after."
She took a deep breath, then began to speak, with Arran listening intently.
